Neighborhoods

Traffic Calming Program

NOTE: If you are concerned with speeding in your area, contact the Spokane Police Department's Traffic Unit Hotline (509.625.4150). If there is property or vehicle damage, contact Spokane County's Crime Check (509.456.2233).

The Traffic Calming Program began in 2010, with funding coming from Photo Red Light Camera tickets. The cameras were installed in 2008, now 10 are installed with the ticket money going to the Traffic Calming Program.

Traffic Calming Map

The Traffic Calming map displays all the projects that have been completed through the Traffic Calming Program. When you click on circles or the lines on the map information about the project type, construction year, neighborhood and City Council District will show up. Have fun exploring the variety of traffic calming projects that have been built by application from the neighborhood councils.

What is Traffic Calming?

According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) definition of traffic calming is “the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non-motorized street users.”

By design, traffic calming is a self-enforcing traffic management approach that forces motorists to alter their speed or direction of travel. The purpose of traffic calming is to improve safety, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to improve the environment or “livability” of streets for residents and visitors. By decreasing volume and/or reducing speed the number and severity of accidents can be greatly diminished.

Objectives of Traffic Calming

• Slow vehicular travel speeds
• Reduce frequency and severity of collisions
• Reduce the need for police enforcement
• Enhance the street environment
• Reduce cut-through motor vehicle travel patterns
• Increase safety for non-motorized street users
• Increase access for all modes

Traffic Calming Techniques:

Traffic Calming techniques may include education, enforcement, or engineering to shift traffic patterns and/or reduce speeds. Most traffic calming measures focus on engineering changes to alter driver behavior. Traffic Calming techniques may include physical changes such as roadway narrowing, traffic circles, pavement markings, signage and others. Education and enforcement efforts should be considered prior to engineering alternatives and as a complement to engineering efforts.

Type of Traffic Calming Measures

Speed/Safety Control Measures:

• Traffic Island/Median
• Neckdown Bulb Out/Curb Extension
• Traffic Circle
• On-Street Parking
• Narrowed Lanes
• Signage
• Landscaping/Street Trees
• Pavement Markings
• In-fill sidewalks
• Bike lanes
• Crosswalks

See our Traffic Calming Toolbox for a complete description and pictures of each measure.